Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Hayward

California
200

Reno is 39% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,453/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 62%
$78,448/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 45%
$498,600 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 65%
$1,482/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 63%
268,959
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $907/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $10,884/year.

Median household income is $35,327/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Hayward — common questions

Is Reno or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Hayward?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $907/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Hayward?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $35,327/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Reno details → View Hayward details →

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